“The Floating Campus Arrives in Cadiz”
by Miguel D. Garcia
La Voz, 01/29/2009
More than a school ship, the cruiser “Explorer” that arrived in Cadiz’s port yesterday could be called an academic ship or a campus on the water. However, the passengers are not on vacation and did not arrive in our city as just tourists. Though it may look like a tourist cruise liner from the outside, inside it is an authentic college campus – an academic program of the University of Virginia in the U.S. Classes are held on ship in between ports – more than 12 in all, and so they begin in Cadiz.
On board, 727 university students (mostly from the U.S.) learn about new cultures, take classes, work and study. The ship, originally built to be a commercial cruise liner, has been remodeled with classrooms and a library, which was formerly a casino.
On the ship, classes range from music to history and sociology, and “except for the rocking of the ocean, the classes are the same as on land,” says Leslie, a marketing student who appreciates the opportunity to “travel without getting behind on classes.”
The World in 108 Days
The only education program of its kind, Semester at Sea, though actually only a trimester (108
days) during which they visit 13 ports around the world, including Casablanca (Morocco), Port Louis (Mauritius), Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong and Shanghai (China), Yokohama (Japan) and Honolulu (Hawaii).Cadiz was the first stop since their departure 10 days ago from Nassau (in the Bahamas) and will conclude in Florida, in its return to the U.S.
Cadiz is also their only European stop, although a number of the students left the port city to travel to Seville, Granada, Barcelona, or Madrid while the ship remained in Cadiz. (On January 31st, the ship leaves for Morocco)
“Cadiz is a great port city,” explains Les McCabe, the Executive Dean of the program and President of ISE (Institute for Shipboard Education), which organizes the voyage in conjunction with the University of Virginia. ISE created the unique formula of sea travel with classes, and has led trips around the world for over 45 years. The University, for their part, offers their reputation and professors.
The students, in contrast, come from universities all over the U.S. and other countries (China, Mexico, Canada…). While there are no Spaniards aboard, “We’d love to have them,” affirms Les McCabe, who sends along the message, “We hope to have students from a Spanish University,” like the University of Cadiz.
Of course, the voyage is not free. In times of such economic crisis, it may seem expensive, $24,000, however it is all inclusive.
Yesterday, many of the 727 students toured the streets of Cadiz with professors and local guides, visiting the Cathedral, the playhouse, and the Plaza of Spain…(of course, it will be on their exams) They also toured the Central Market, the Plaza of Flowers and the winding ancient streets to, “observe typical Spanish life,” which students commented was, “surprising,” and “full of differences from the U.S.”
Molly Abelman, a history student from California, noted with surprise that for example, “The population takes their time and also talks very close to other people.” “I was fascinated with the buildings, they are so precious and full of history,” adds Maine Saole, a student of psychology. Deirdre Bird, a faculty member adds, “I’m impressed with the monument for the constitution,” coming from someone from a country with the first constitution. She also feels, “This is such an enlightening voyage and unique experience, especially for the students.”
Photos by SAS Photographer John Weakley
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